Security tightened to prevent repeat of Davao blast

MANILA, Philippines - Local government units nationwide implemented a virtual lockdown yesterday following Friday’s bomb attack in Davao City that left at least 15 people dead and scores injured.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno said strict security measures are being implemented nationwide to avoid a repeat of the Davao blast incident.

“We are still on high alert after the Abu Sayyaf has claimed responsibility over the deadly blast in Davao City. We will continue to take orders from our commander-in-chief President Rodrigo Duterte,” Sueno said.

Hours after the attack, Duterte placed the entire nation under a state of lawlessness or lawless violence.

“We encourage people to report any suspicious activities no matter how insignificant it may seem. We advise people across the nation to be vigilant and stay away from crowded places for the meantime,” Sueno said.

Mayors in Metro Manila declared a full alert immediately following the Davao bombing attack.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada ordered Manila Police District chief Director Joel Coronel to put a ring of security around Malacañang, the national government’s seat of power.

“Here in Manila, we have doubled our security and contingency measures to protect the safety of our constituents,” Estrada said.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista directed the QC Police District to go on heightened alert, set up security checkpoints and secure vital installations in the city.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has placed all police units in Metro Manila on full alert status.

“You are hereby likewise directed to conduct accounting of all your personnel and to maximize visibility in all vital installations, malls and places of convergence,” NCRPO director Chief Supt. Oscar Abayalde told the five police district directors in Metro Manila.

“Moreover, initiate 24-hour random checkpoints within your respective areas of responsibility,” he said.

Policemen in full battle gear were seen around the commuter train stations in Manila, Caloocan City, Pasay City and Quezon City.

The Department of Transportation said the LRT and MRT lines are on full alert status.

Security was also tightened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), seaports, bus terminals and malls.

“This is not to alarm the public. We have raised our alert status as a proactive measure to ensure safety and security of the airport users,” airport general manager Ed Monreal said.

“We directed baggage screeners to remain vigilant and discerning and to conduct thorough inspection only when needed. We do not want to cause inconvenience in the process by creating long lines at the baggage screening checkpoints,” he said.

Monreal said the full alert status at the airport means all leaves and days off of employees and personnel have been cancelled.

Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino said the Clark International Airport and the Subic Freeport have likewise been placed on heightened alert.

The Philippine Ports Authority has put all ports nationwide under heightened alert.

The PPA said there is a need to step up the safety and security in all ports, particularly in Mindanao, to deter terror attacks.

“All port managers and port police, particularly in the Mindanao region, are instructed to take all necessary measures to make sure that there are no loose ends when it comes to safety and security,” PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said.

All port managers have also been directed to subject all cargo, luggage and passengers to strict inspection procedures.

“The terror threat is not only concentrated in Mindanao but nationwide, so ports in the Visayas and Luzon regions should not be complacent and are likewise advised to increase security visibility and heighten security measures,” Santiago said.

Under the state of lawlessness, the military is called upon to help the police maintain peace and order.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said the military’s role in the Davao City incident is to help the police restore normalcy and secure the area.

“The AFP is prepared to undertake any task that will be issued in regard to the declaration of state of lawless violence by the commander-in-chief,” Arevalo said. –Jose Rodel Clapano, Mike Frialde, Robertzon Ramirez, Gerry Lee-Gorit, Celso Amo, Louella Desiderio, Rudy Santos, Ric Sapnu, Roel Pareño, Mary Grace Padin, Evelyn Macairan